Over the course of the 19th century, Princely Mysore witnessed many developments, which can be found in records preserved in various depositories, particularly at the Divisional Archives department of Government of Karnataka (known earlier as Palace Record Office).
Records, documents and reports connected with the palace since 1831 have been preserved, digitised and documented in this office. They speak volumes and help in reconstructing history at the micro level. Among the many files present there are also those connected with the wedding of the Maharaja of Mysore, Chamaraja Wodeyar X. He was the successor of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar III. These files provide a detailed information about the wedding that was held on May 26, 1878.
Once the wedding day of the Maharaja was announced, the officers in the palace began making elaborate preparations. Pandals or temporary pavilions were erected, richly decorated and illuminated with lamps. A temporary building for the marriage was constructed. Gas lights were placed to illuminate the whole area. Silver and gold ambaris or canopied howdas had to be newly made. A pair of massive, gilted gates were built from scratch. Numerous articles of gold and a silver insignia had to be refurbished. New carpeting and lights had to be provided on an extensive scale. These purchases were made at Bangalore, Madras and Bombay, while jawahiri (jewels) and clothes were purchased at Bangalore and Bombay.
Materials essential for the wedding, like those for the dining needs and rituals were purchased locally. Milk and its products were supplied from the department of cattle attached to the palace (karohatti) and also from outside. There was more responsibility on the servants in the modikana (kitchen department) to ensure continuous supply without any interruptions.
For the wedding, the entire administration had arrived in Mysore. The then Commissioner James D Gordon personally supervised the preparations and sent invitations to guests in Bombay, Madras and Calcutta. Palegars, jahagirdars, zamindars, inamdars, ryots and merchants from all the districts under the rule were invited. Tents and camps in and around the Residency (office of the resident British diplomatic officer who was appointed to supervise administration) were erected to accommodate them. They were entertained at Jaganmohan Palace with a lavish dinner followed by a fireworks display. A dinner reception and ball were also held at the Residency.
The grand procession commenced at 10 pm with the Maharaja seated in the gold ambari on a magnificent state elephant. After leaving the fort, it proceeded through the main streets of the town and reached the palace around 1 am next day for the grand ceremony.
No stone unturned
Close to 2 decades after, in 1897 it was time for another wedding — that of Princess Jayalakshammanni, the eldest daughter of Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar X. Maharani Vanivilasa Sannidhana, in the absence of Chamaraja Wodeyar, who had died 1894, made elaborate preparations for the wedding.
The list of invitees included heads of administration, European officers, retired officers, military officers and officers and non-officers from all the districts. Khareetas (official letters of much prominence usually sent by the members of the royal family) were sent to 34 dignitaries including Lord Elgin, then Viceroy of India, other European officers and Maharajas of Indian states. The Maharani also sent the Vijnapana Patrika to 9 Brahmin and 2 Shivacharya Maths. The highlight of the wedding was the Ball arranged at C Rangacharlu Memorial Hall. It was exclusively held to entertain guests.
History repeats
About 3 years later, on June 6, 1900, the marriage of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV was held at the Jaganmohan Palace. Once again, the household became active as a beehive. The documents preserved at the archive throw much light on every details of the marriage ceremony. The bride was Princes Pratapa Kumari Devi, of the Kathewad royal family.
The wedding ceremony was attended by leading personalities — both officers and non-officers — including those from the Residency at Bangalore. A large number of people who represented ruling dynasties from different parts of British India also attended.
Heads of different maths and religious institutions graced the occasion. Killuts (presents given to guests at the time of celebrations) were given away. Guests were honoured and presentations were exchanged. The Governor of Madras Presidency attended while the greetings from the Viceroy of India and Queen Victoria were read at the ceremony.
Published 20 June 2016, 18:01 IST